San-Vardhan addressed the challenges faced by cotton farmers by leveraging pheromone-based ATGC Biotech’s CREMIT technology. It enabled farmers to adopt eco-friendly population control solution for PBW thus reducing insecticide usage and also guided them on Integrated Pest and Nutrient Management aspects for sustainable cotton production
To celebrate the successful conclusion of this CSR initiative, a Stakeholders Meet was convened to explore the revival of cotton in northern India. The workshop commenced with a welcome address by Dr. Baljinder Saini, Executive Director of RGR Cell, who emphasized the necessity of initiatives like San-Vardhan, citing a 31 per cent decline in cotton cultivation area and a 38 per cent drop in production over the past few years.
660 farmers across 2000 acres in 3 districts of Punjab and Haryana benefited from the project and found cotton as a better alternative to paddy. Average yields increased by 21 per cent, leading to a 30 per cent rise in farmers’ incomes. Chemical usage reduced by 2.1 sprays, improving soil health, environmental sustainability and creating positive impact on the environment. He shared the project, funded by Sportking India, demonstrates its potential to make a significant difference in the lives of cotton farmers and the environment in northern India, and marks a promising beginning to help cotton farmers across India.
Dr. Markandya, CMD of ATGC Biotech, elaborated on the CREMIT technology’s effectiveness in managing Pink Bollworm (PBW). Having undergone rigorous testing by government agencies, CREMIT has demonstrated its potential. Dr. Markandya emphasized ATGC’s commitment to developing eco-friendly pest control solutions for various crops, including tomato, rice, wheat, brinjal, and others, aiming to positively impact the lives of Indian farmers. Rakesh Rathi, Director at Indian Cotton Association, highlighted the huge demand-supply gap in cotton in the northern region, with a requirement of 9 million bales annually, but availability of less than 3 million bales and hence sourcing from other states and outside India. Cotton cultivation in Punjab has declined drastically from 7.5 million hectares to just 90,000 hectares last year, impacting Punjab’s economy and cotton industry.
Rathi suggested the government withdraw the mandi tax on cotton and moreover support farmers in accessing good hybrid seeds in the northern belt to increase cultivation. Representing Sportking India, Naresh Behl participated in the event, conveying Managing Director Munish Avasthi’s pride and enthusiasm for being part of this innovative initiative. He emphasized the initiative’s demonstration of collaborative power in driving positive change and encouraged fellow industry stakeholders to continue supporting such impactful endeavours. Bal Mukand Sharma, Chairman, Punjab State Food Commission “extended warm congratulations to the San-Vardhan team on the successful culmination of their CSR initiative, praising their efforts and commitment to driving meaningful change”.
A panel discussion was also organized on this occasion, featuring esteemed experts from various fields. The panel comprised Dr. Joginder Singh (seed industry), Dr. Rishi Kumar
(CICR Sirsa), Dr. Dharminder Pathak (PAU cotton breeding), and Dr. Satnam Singh (PAU integrated pest management). The discussion was moderated by Gurbinder Singh Gill,
Director of Team Athena. The experts expressed concerns about the impact of changing weather conditions and high temperatures on cotton productivity in the region. They emphasized the need for developing temperature-resistant hybrid seed varieties. Furthermore, the panel highlighted the importance of promoting high-density planting system (HDPS) varieties, which can thrive in specific geometric patterns, enabling mechanized harvesting and enhancing efficiency.
Ram Pratap Sihag, Joint Director, Agriculture, Haryana, emphasized the importance of cotton as a key crop for diversification. He announced “That the Haryana government will
provide ₹1,000 per acre as compensation to discourage paddy burning. Additionally, the government is working on waiving market fees on cotton and offering per-quintal compensation to farmers, aiming to promote sustainable farming practices and support the livelihoods of farmers in Haryana”.
Dr. Satbir Singh Gosal, Vice-Chancellor, PAU, Ludhiana, highlighted the challenges faced by cotton farmers in Punjab. He said “The decline in cotton cultivation to increased costs in
cotton farming and paddy encroachment in cotton-growing areas. Hel appreciated the efforts of the San-Vardhan team in helping cotton farmers and emphasized the need for mass
adoption of technologies to reverse the paddy trend in north India”. Specifically, he mentioned that PAU has recommended the CREMIT technology to the state government for
Pink Bollworm management.
Farmers from Bathinda and Sirsa shared their positive experiences with the CREMIT technology, expressing enthusiasm to continue using it in the upcoming cotton season.
Gurbinder Singh Gill concluded the session by thanking all participants. He emphasized that Team Athena is proud to have conceptualized and implemented San Vardhan, a testament
to the impact of collaborative efforts in driving positive change for cotton farmers in North India.
As we celebrate the success of San-Vardhan in North India, we recognize the potential for replication in other regions. We invite leading textile organizations and other stakeholders
across cotton value chain to scale similar initiatives across cotton growing regions, empowering cotton farmers thus ultimately revolutionizing cotton farming and reviving glory of cotton across India.
